#1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown returns with an urgent call to reimagine the essentials of courageous leadership. In a time when uncertainty runs deep and bluster, hubris, and even cruelty are increasingly framed as acceptable leadership, Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline, and accountability.
Over the past six years, Brené Brown, along with a global community of coaches and facilitators, has taken more than 150,000 leaders in 45 countries through her Dare to Lead courage-building work. In Strong Ground, Brown shares the lessons from these experiences along with wisdom from other thinkers. This is a vital playbook for everyone from senior leaders developing and executing complex strategies to Gen Z-ers entering and navigating turbulent work environments. It is also an unflinching assessment of what happens when we continue to perpetuate the falsehood that performance and wholeheartedness are mutually exclusive.
With equal amounts of optimism and caution about AI, Brown writes, “I hear a lot of experts trying to soothe people’s anxiety about the pace of technological change by offering platitudes like, What makes us human will ensure our relevance. This is dangerous simply because, right now, we’re not especially good at what makes us human. We’re not hardwired for this level of uncertainty, and many of us feel as if the constant need to self-protect is driving the humanity right out of us. This is why organizational transformation today must foster deep connection, deep thinking, and deep collaboration. We need the courage to lead people in a way that honors and protects the wisdom of the human spirit.”
Brown offers a broad assessment of the skill sets and mindsets we need moving forward, including the capacity for respectful and difficult conversations, increased productive urgency and smart prioritization rather than reactivity, and strategic risk-taking, paradoxical thinking, and situational and anticipatory awareness skills. She identifies the toughest skill set as the discipline, humility, and confidence to unlearn and relearn.
Brown writes, “Individuals and organizations are building new muscles. Finding our strong ground—that athletic stance—is the only thing that can provide both unwavering stability in a maelstrom of uncertainty and a platform for the fast, explosive change that the world is demanding.”
*Includes a downloadable PDF of tools, resources, and checklists from the book
13 reviews for Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit
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Michelle Stone –
Best book yet
Outstanding. So many important points and the metaphors/analogies you need to make them more accessible. This book is the developing/advanced leader’s bible. If you can internalize everything Brown has to say, you’ll be on your way to leading a thriving organization.
Integrity personified –
Enthusiastically recommend this one along with ALL her works
Brené Brown is a great speaker. Always re-listen to all her books. Highly recommend and highly respect her insights and research. Really appreciate that she updates results of previously published research. I have found many of her revelations highly relatable. She’s candid and transparent. Recommend ALL her books enthusiastically!!
Thomas McGee –
A Masterclass in Courage, Connection, and the Paradox of Being Human
Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit” is the rare kind of work that meets you exactly where you are—whether that’s standing in the rubble of uncertainty or on the edge of a breakthrough. Drawing on Brené Brown’s signature blend of research, story, and raw humanity, this book (and companion materials) translate the abstract concepts of vulnerability, courage, and leadership into something deeply actionable.What sets Strong Ground apart is how practical it is. Instead of lofty inspiration alone, it gives you tools to live differently—how to hold paradox without losing your center, how to lead when the way forward isn’t clear, and how to rise when perfectionism and fear whisper that you can’t. You begin applying these lessons immediately—in how you parent, communicate, lead a meeting, or repair a relationship. It’s a guide for those of us still figuring out how to stay open-hearted in a world that often rewards armor.Pros:Transforms Brené’s research into real-world practice—you feel it shifting how you show up.Deeply relatable storytelling balanced with intellectual rigor.Encourages personal reflection without drifting into self-help cliché.Perfect blend of leadership theory, emotional intelligence, and spiritual grounding.Comparable to multi-thousand-dollar leadership retreats in terms of value and clarity.Cons:Requires emotional honesty—if you’re looking for quick fixes, this isn’t it.Some sections invite slower reading and reflection; not ideal for those seeking a fast read.Use Cases:Ideal for emerging and seasoned leaders, change agents, coaches, or anyone rebuilding confidence and clarity after a season of doubt. It bridges personal growth and professional leadership with rare authenticity.Compared to programs and workshops costing ten times more, Strong Ground delivers equivalent impact in a fraction of the cost—and with infinitely more heart.In short: this isn’t just a book. It’s an invitation to come home to yourself—and to lead from that place of grounded strength.
Angel C. Rangel –
Love
Great book
Dr Jason Kanz –
Good, but more business focused
There were some excellent ideas in this book. I especially appreciated her interacting with the ideas of Adam Grant. Overall, it was a bit more business focused than I would have liked, but it was good.
Tomas –
If You’ve Grown with Her Work, You’ll Appreciate This Book
I’ve learned a lot from Brené Brown over the years, so I was eager to read Strong Ground when it was first announced—and it did not disappoint.One of the things I’ve always appreciated about her work is how her books reflect the evolution of her research. Each one feels like a natural progression, building on what she’s discovered and experienced, and Strong Ground is no exception.What makes this book feel especially unique is how she shines a spotlight on the key teachers and researchers who have influenced her along the way. Their inclusion creates a sense of community, and it’s a great example of how Brené uses her platform to amplify other voices. The way she connects their work with her own adds depth and makes the book feel both collaborative and grounded in shared purpose.With Strong Ground, Brown continues to evolve as both a researcher and a storyteller, offering readers a layered and collaborative exploration of her latest findings.
DavidJ –
Paradox: A book for work life and home life
The book challenges you to rethink and reevaluate how you emotionally and physically move through work life and home life. I like how she frames the term paradox. You like to frame things as binary, when in reality it is often X and Y, as opposed to X or Y. Paradoxes exist through every aspect of our being and it requires strong ground for us navigate. Ms. Brown helps us to understand that we must be intentional in our life choices. The best way to do that is to be a person who is committed to a life of ongoing learning and growing emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In these current times we all need to read this book and follow the directions put forward by Ms. Brown. For those in leadership in corporations and government, they really need to read this book, and take heed.
Seth –
Highly relevant & insightful!
Highly relevant for corporate leaders and anyone in the midst of transformative work
Pascal J. –
No me gustó. Dejé de leerlo cuando llevaba un tercio del libro. Es una recopilación de historias y extractos de otros libros, blogs, etc. Está muy enfocado al mundo corporativo y a los directivos.
Amanda –
Escrita fluida, otimos exemplos
Michelle –
Another hit from Brene, love that this provides updates from previous books with new applied studies and insight. Great read!
ewa –
After long time waiting for the book it finally arrived and I am so happy. It’s a present for my partner (a delayed birthday one) as he loves Beene Brown. Hardcover looks so nice, definitely worth the wait. Can’t wait to gift it and read it myself
Heather –
Another great read